Theatre for Healthcare Equity

I created Theatre for Healthcare Equity in 2019 as a result of my partnership with the University of Rochester’s Medical Humanities Department and the Office for Diversity. By adapting Theatre of the Oppressed principles to address interactions between patients, doctors, residents, and nursing staff, we are able to confront bias while cultivating empathy and practicing effective communication. Medical personnel must often navigate bigotry with a patient as a result of the bias, prejudice, and ignorance from one or both parties. The rigorous schedules and workloads prevalent in the medical industry, however, allow little time for personnel to explore the root and possible solutions to these conflicts.

Through interactive theatre workshops and trainings, medical personnel can consider their difficult encounters through interactive techniques that engage all of their senses. The playfulness of theater opens the door for participants to move beyond endless conversation and complaint about common problems. Instead, they are able to act out problematic scenarios and creatively explore possible solutions for those scenarios.In these workshops, participants have a space to safely, thoughtfully deconstruct the relationship dynamics, power structures, and prejudices at the root of everyday patient/staff conflicts.

“Carli led a wonderful series workshops where she helped us translate techniques from T.O. into a very different context and culture. She was challenging and provocative as well as hilarious and supportive. I have been an adult educator in an experiential learning context for my entire career and working with Carli challenged me to rethink some of the unexamined ways in which I facilitate group processes. I will forever be grateful for her constant admonition to get out of our heads and into our bodies. The experience has, and will continue to change me as an educator.”  

—- Kevin M. Boyd, Associate Director, Chaplaincy Services, University of Rochester